Features

AFC Wimbledon U21 Development Squad

Set up in July 2013, the AFC Wimbledon U-21 development squad aims to continue progressing players who have finished their academy scholarships by introducing them to a higher level of football.

Under the tutelage of former Dons defender Alan Reeves, the squad bridges the gap between the ages of 18 and 21, where levels of physicality and intensity notably increase.

The coaching focuses on players who could make an impact at first-team level, exposing them to the rigours of senior football in a supportive environment, but also keeps developing those players who need more time to make that step up,

The development squad has a full programme of fixtures and will comprise a number of players over the course of the season, including:

full-time development squad members

selected Under-18 players

first-team players in need of game time

The environment gives these young professionals better exposure to senior football, both on and off the pitch, as players will get the opportunity to interact with more senior squad members and learn the traits they will need to one day represent the first-team.

The club hopes to add to its Roll of Honour of players progressing through the ranks to the first-team with Toyosi Olusanya and Alfie Egan (pictured second from left and second from right above) among those to have made their first-team debuts after starring in last season's brilliant FA Youth Cup run.